Photo Gallery

Volkswagen will be presenting the Passat BlueMotion Concept next week in Detroit, a sedan powered by a small 1.4-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that can run on two cylinders when needed, and return 42 mpg on the highway.

Volkswagen said the Passat BlueMotion Concept that is being presented at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit shows just how fuel-efficient a non-hybrid, gasoline-powered mid-size sedan can be. Based on the current Passat that was developed specifically for North America, the BlueMotion label defines the version that has the best efficiency in the model lineup.

The Passat BlueMotion Concept features an all-new version of the Volkswagen 1.4-liter EA211 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging. This Passat concept also offers Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, previously seen on the European Volkswagen Polo and Golf models. Volkswagen explained ACT deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three for situations when the driver only applies light throttle pressure to maintain specific city speeds.

Another Volkswagen innovation included on this concept that helps save gas is the coasting function, used also on the Jetta Hybrid. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the DSG transmission decouples the engine, allowing the Passat to roll with the lowest possible mechanical drag from the other moving components.

Volkswagen added additional fuel savings come from the stop/start system, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a temporary stop. As soon as the driver lifts their foot off the brake, the 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine starts again.

All these measures result in a manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg for a concept delivering 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Concept’s Reef Blue metallic color will be introduced on other Passat models. We should learn during the show what and if any technology on this concept will make it on production Passats.